The public is invited to participate in the annual National Day of Prayer celebration, Thursday, May 4, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., sponsored by the Interfaith Roundtable of Kauai. The event will take place at the County of Kauai Moikeha Building Rotunda, 4444 Rice Street in the Lihue Civic Center (the round building at the intersection of Rice Street and Kuhio Highway).

The program features musical performances as well as prayer offerings from representatives of a diversity of religions and spiritual traditions. Admission is free.

The National Day of Prayer has deep historical roots in this country, having been declared in 1775 by the Continental Congress in forming a new nation. It was later recognized by first President George Washington in 1789. In 1952, the Congress passed a bill proclaiming National Day of Prayer. And on May 5, 1988, President Reagan signed into law official recognition of the first Thursday in May annually as the National Day of Prayer.

Founded in 2005, the Interfaith Roundtable is celebrating its 12th anniversary this year. IROK meets monthly, normally on the last Friday at 12 noon at Lihue Hongwanji Temple, 3-3530 Kuhio Highway, Lihue. For more information go to www.InterfaithRoundtableofKauai.org, or email interfaithroundtableofkauai@yahoo.com

Following the Interfaith Roundtable ceremony, a second service honoring the National Day of Prayer, sponsored by the Kauai Island Ministries, will be held at the same location.

If you need an ASL Interpreter, materials in an alternate format, or other auxiliary aid support, please contact Hari Khalsa at 353-1114 or

interfaithroundtableofkauai@yahoo.com at least seven calendar days before the event.